Poem by Mary Wortley Montagu

The Lady's Resolve

Written on a window, soon after her marriage, 1713.

Whilst thirst of praise and vain desire of fame,
In every age is every woman's aim;
With courtship pleas'd, of silly toasters proud,
Fond of a train, and happy in a crowd;
On each proud fop bestowing some kind glance,
Each conquest owing to some loose advance;
While vain coquets affect to be pursued,
And think they're virtuous, if not grossly lewd:
Let this great maxim be my virtue's guide;
In part she is to blame that has been try'd --
He comes too near, that comes to be deny'd. 

1. The Fourth Ode of the First Book of Horace Imitated
2. Epigram, 1734
3. Melinda's Complaint
4. Epistle to Lord Hervey on the King's Birthday from the Country
5. Ballad, on a Late Occurrence

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